Ben Affleck Won’t Direct ‘The Batman’

When Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice came out and it was getting really bad reviews, I asked myself if I should be worried about the future of the DC Cinematic Universe. I was worried but I calmed myself by reminding me that Suicide Squad could be great (it definitely wasn’t), that the Wonder Woman film could be cool (I still think it can be), and that everyone should be excited for The Batman because of Ben Affleck’s involvement. Now Affleck is no longer directing the film and I’m officially panicking.

Man of Steel was polarizing and both Suicide Squad and Batman v Superman got really bad reviews. All of these films made money, but no one was really happy with the final products we got in 2016. But even if the Wonder Woman or Aquaman films ended up being less than satisfying, at least we could all agree that The Batman would be great. I’m not sure anymore.

The DC Cinematic Universe had one of the best directors in Hollywood ready to direct their crown jewel character, and now he is gone. And yes, I know he’s still going to play Batman in the film – and that’s great, he’s really good – but look at the comments he has made:

“[On directing The Batman] That’s the idea. But it’s not a set thing and there’s no script. If it doesn’t come together in a way I think is really great I’m not going to do it.” – The Guardian, January 1st, 2017.

“I’m going to direct the next Batman, we’re working on it. It’s one of those things that’s really frustrating because like Live by Night took me a year and a half to write it and get it ready and I worked really hard, it’s just nobody gave a shit.” – Jimmy Kimmel Live!, January 10th, 2017.

“It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film.” – Variety, January 30th, 2017.

I’m sorry, but, what the hell? This is one of the most frustrating and ridiculous roller-coaster rides simply because it has been happening out in the open, and I’m really upset about this. I think Wonder Woman can be a good film, but I was really disappointed with what we got in 2016 from the DC films, and now they’re losing an Oscar-level director…

And it’s not like this is the only film that’s in trouble with DC and WB. The Flash film seemingly gets a new director or writer every week… It’s really frustrating to see how DC and WB have started this cinematic universe. It’s time to push the panic button, and some may even say it’s time to stop and go home. If Wonder Woman and Justice League aren’t at least good, then I really don’t know how to get excited about this cinematic universe anymore.

That said, I have heard the talk about Matt Reeves being the replacement director for The Batman – and that’s a good choice. I, personally, think it would be really cool if DC and WB got Jeff Nichols to direct the film, but we’ll see what happens. This film just needs to get going straight away.